In acknowledgement of the Gospel Imperative to feed, clothe, heal and visit, the Episcopal Charities Fund of Rhode Island assists ministries of the Diocese and charities of the wider Rhode Island community by raising and helping to provide funds, and in so doing, bringing hope, comfort and healing to Rhode Islanders in need.

How to apply for a grant

The Episcopal Charities Grant Request Form is now in an easy-to-complete electronic format. The 2018 grant request cycle is closed. The 2019 cycle will open in mid-spring 2019.

In keeping with our mission, we seek to fund grant requests which will directly impact the lives of our neighbors in need. Our recent grants have ranged from $3,000 to $40,000. Please read the guidelines below. If you plan to apply for a larger grant (over $10,000), please speak to us before you prepare your application as we only do a very limited number of larger grants.

Grant Request Forms must be submitted by April 30th. We will begin reviewing completed Grant Request Forms in early May. As part of the review process, you will be contacted by a member of our grants team to ask some questions or to arrange an in-person visit. Our grants will be distributed in November and December.

Applicants who have previously received grants: evaluating previously-funded programs:
As in the past, all applicants for an Episcopal Charities grant are required to submit an evaluation of any completed programs/projects which have been funded by Episcopal Charities. We have created a brief form for you to use if you do not already have a competed evaluation of your program/project that you can submit. You should upload an evaluation form — either ours or one from your agency or organization evaluating your particular program — at the time you complete your 2018 grant request.

Guidelines for Grant Distributions:

Preference is given to the following

organizations that provide direct services to large numbers of potential recipients

established organizations, structured to meet current and future needs, as well as organizations in need of seed money

direct service groups that might not be eligible for funding from other sources

agencies which have a 501(c)(3) status

groups that are consistent with our mission statement

groups that have an established relationship with one of our congregations or have volunteers from our congregations

We discourage requests from programs and agencies which:

are heavily funded by government or other sources

seek funding for debts already incurred

duplicate services of already existing agencies

provide capital for vehicles, buildings, or other real property

provide only advocacy activities or research

Our Donors

The Episcopal Charities Annual Campaign raises funds for grant distributions through the generous spirit and caring of individuals in the Episcopal churches of the Diocese, as well as support from members of the Rhode Island corporate community.

Since Episcopal Charities began, a generous bequest has provided endowment income which covers all campaign and administrative costs. This allows 100% of every dollar donated to Episcopal Charities to go directly into agency grants.